How To Find A Partner-in-Crime

Partner-in-Crimes are imperative for extroverts (“all-night party!”) and introverts (“let’s read in the same room”) alike. We’re happier if we have someone to share life with (otherwise, I’m on social media sharing about my “amazing solo breakfast” and hoping for some comments).

[Tweet “Partner-in-Crimes are imperative for extroverts (“all-night party!”) and introverts (“let’s read in the same room”) alike.”]

I’m writing this because I’m the newbie in town again and maybe a bit like the prodigal friend returned, it’s hard to know where I fit. It’s starting over again.

But you know, the fun part is discovering new friends.

 

 

How To Find A Partner-in-Crime

• Plug into the activities you enjoy

Go ahead. Roll those eyes. You knew that one. Of course you did, but if you’re looking for a Partner-in-Crime and you haven’t found a few yet, then you must not be plugging in. Swap that Grumpy Cat face for a Joy face.

• Social Media

Admit to it. You follow a gazillion people on Instagram (or whichever is your favorite social media), and there are even a few who are in your area. Why don’t you suggest meeting up for coffee at their favorite place? Or if they’re a gym rat, see if they’ll work out with you. Be bold!

• A church community

Not into religion? Such a shame. Churches offer a space to meet people in the community who are usually passionate about serving others, and sometimes they have potlucks (hello, food). Even if you’re not so sure about Jesus, this can be a great place to meet people.

• Volunteer

A lot of people have asked me how I find places to volunteer (How to Volunteer by WikiHow). It’s simple. I look for organizations that have mission statements and hands-on purposes that I can stand behind. You can either call, email, or sign up online to volunteer at most places. I think volunteers are the creme-de-la-creme because they are actively caring for their world and people.

[Tweet “I think volunteers are the creme-de-la-creme”]

• Make plans

One of my biggest struggles is getting out of the house (these sweatpants are just so cozy). The best thing I can do is make a plan or an appointment, which I must keep. Even if you just end up at a doughnut shop, you could find yourself in conversation with a fellow foodie (be friendly, smile, ask questions).

• Invite people to join in your plans

So you and doughnut foodie are having a great convo, maybe he or she might be willing to meet up with you to check out a restaurant later in the week. You don’t know if you don’t ask. Sure, it could be weird (and if it is, just walk away) or it could be your new restaurant buddy (no more solo dining for you).

Seven Tips for Making Good Conversation with a Stranger

[Tweet “You don’t know if you don’t ask.”]

• Weed out the weirdos

Let your weird show. These potential PICs will either match your weird or will run away. If they run, their loss (obviously). I have a few ice-breaker questions that will either cause laughter or major squirmage. Or talk about poop. Yes, my etiquette is so off.

• Charm the crotchety

The stand-off ones. Or the clique leaders. The key is two-fold: be persistent and ask lots of open-ended questions that start them talking about themselves (who doesn’t enjoy talking about their lives?). It’s like a game (walking the line between politely curious and nosy).

[Tweet “The key is two-fold: be persistent and ask lots of open-ended questions”]

• Step into a friend group already in place

It’s that organic shift of knowing one friend of the group to knowing your one friend’s entire group of friends. Think Rachel in FRIENDS in the pilot episode. She knows Monica and then becomes part of the FRIENDS through her one friend (well, and Ross). It’s totally okay to invest in one friend and worm your adorable way into their group.

P.S. It is totally okay to have a PIC for volunteer activities, a PIC for movies, a PIC for restaurants, a PIC for working out. I mean, why not? This is just friendship.

Do you have any tips for finding a Partner-in-Crime? Quick, comment below, because I need all the help I can get!